beach consolation prize...

as a we're-definitely-not-getting-2-go-2-the-beach-this-summer (because of this) consolation prize, we decided 2 take the kiddos 2 Kings Dominion on Friday...unfortunately, the boys couldn't come with - but we still had a blast with the 3 youngins

just like every other year, we go up on the Eiffel Tower 1st - 2 check out the park, see what's new/gone, decide our plan of attack 4 the day ;0)

we started in the kid zone...so that every1 could get their feet wet with the small roller coasters...

& so the girls could get in some of what Jaden calls, the "boring rides"

it was so funny - cause even tho he's way too old/big 2 enjoy the kiddie rides, he sure got excited when he saw Little Bill! ~lol~ he was OBSESSED with Little Bill when he was small, so i guess he's just remained a fan throughout the years...notice the hand shake tho - vs a hug, or something else equally childish ;0)

(& do u think Little Bill's helper is ready 4 her shift 2 end? ~lol~)

we worked our way around & hit Scooby Doo's roller coaster & his Haunted Mansion (1 of the kiddos absolute fav - the 1st 1 they ask 2 ride every year), we watched the Crypt a few times (it has cool water & fire special effects), but of course none of the kiddos were interested in riding that 1!

then we hit the Avalanche...all 5 of us could ride it - Gabby & i were 2gether, Jaden went on his own, & here's Curtis & Corinn...

he said she enjoyed it, but held on 4 dear life! ~lol~

next up...the Volcano!!!

yep, last year Jaden chickened out at the last minute...this year, he was determined 2 ride it! we stood in line 4 about 45 minutes total (Curtis & the girls hung out in the kiddie area which was close by)...during the 1st 20 minutes of our wait, Jaden was cool...but the longer we waited, the more nervous he became

by the time we could see others ahead of us getting on the ride, he was saying he had changed his mind & didn't want 2 ride it after all...he said "u go ahead & ride & i'll go out the emergency exit" ~lol~ but i gave him a little pep talk & promised him that he could close his eyes, squeeze my hand as hard as he wanted, & scream at the top of his lungs if he needed 2

we boarded the ride & he started repeating 2 himself "i'm brave & i can do this, i'm brave & i can do this..."...the ride took off & the screaming began! i think he probably kept his eyes closed 4 90% of the ride...& he definitely screamed louder than i've ever heard him scream b4 (& he barely had a voice the next day 2 prove it)...but when we got off the ride, he says "i can't believe i did it!" he was super proud (even with tears in his eyes) & couldn't wait 2 tell dad what he had done! ;0)

by this point, it was well in2 the 90's out, the sun was blazing down on us, & we all were HOT!!! we went ahead out 2 the truck 2 sit in the AC & enjoy our picnic lunch...then we came back inside & hit the water park

1st up, the lazy river...

Curtis waited on the bridge 2 catch pics of us as we floated underneath again this year

we also hung out in the wave pools 4 a while - i guess since we were missing out on the ocean waves this summer, we took our time enjoying the fake ones ;0)

& the kiddos spent a ton of time in the huge water playgrounds - going down the slides over & over again...Jaden & i rode some of the bigger water slides 2gether too, while Curtis kept an eye on the girls

after we got our fill of the waterpark, we headed 2 the bumper cars...

then 2 the ride that Gabby was most excited about...the Drop Tower! last year (at only 5yrs old), she rode this with me twice! this year, it was a total piece of cake 4 her!
on our way up...

almost 2 the top...

Curtis was able 2 get us on video this year...we're all the way 2 the left - u can see us (mostly me) sticking our legs out so that daddy can see where we're sitting



it was so much fun!!!

daddy went along with the crew on the Log Flume...he wasn't thrilled with the idea of getting wet again - but look at all their faces after coming down the hill! looks like he was having fun 2 me! & yeah, he did get pretty wet too ;0)

another ride that we hit every year...the 3D Spongebob movie/ride!

a new attraction is the Ferris Wheel...

the gondolas r big enuff 2 seat the entire family too!

Corinn was a little scared 2 b up so high (& oddly, Jaden acted a lil timid as well)...

but it was a beautiful & relaxing 10-15 minute ride! the sun had just set & the sky was so pretty...all the park lights were coming on & it was cool 2 see everything from way up high at this time of day



since she was super brave on the Ferris Wheel, we stopped by Corinn's fav next - the carousel...

then Jaden, Gabby & i rode the Rebel Yell in the dark - sooooo fun!

& lastly, the Triple Spin - another family fav...

we caught 1 more kiddo photo as we headed out of the park at closing...

& as usual, our worn out kiddos fell fast asleep in the car, almost as soon as their seat belts were buckled!

it was a good day - a fun family day

the best kind!!!
♥

ps. thx guys 4 the prayer as Curtis looks 4 another job! he had his 1st interview 2day & it went well...the guy told him that he had 1 job in mind 4 Curtis...but after seeing his size, thinks he'd b better suited 4 another (better paying) position...he told Curt that he'd let him know 1 way or the other in a few days...it's def not his dream job - but a paycheck! he's filled out tons of applications & we've got a few friends here & there, putting in a good word in 4 him...i even sat down & created Curtis' very 1st resume ever on Thursday night 2 send 2 a couple of places...please continue 2 pray that the right (at least, right 4 now) job will come along very soon!

prayer request...

i know it's Wordless Wednesday, but...


Curtis just got called in2 the HR dept at his job & found out they're laying him off
:0(

i have no idea what we're going 2 do!
he's out applying 4 any & every job right now...please say a prayer 4 us!

he'll take anything at this point...we just need 2 pay our bills...but we pray that the right job 4 him will eventually come along too...locals - feel free 2 send me anything u might know of in this area - any shift, any kind of work (Curt specializes in electrical work & maintenance)

our nixed vacay is making a lot more sense now, huh?

:0(

wordless wednesday...downtown on a sunny day...

the myth of the black Aspergian...

i ♥ John Elder Robison!

he's an adult Aspie & is the author of Look Me In The Eyes (a must read 4 any Mama of an Aspie!)...he also has plans 2 release another book, called Beyond Normal (anxiously awaiting it's release!)

i read his blogspot & his PT blog regularly
(sometimes they contain a lil different stuff)

i found this article 2 b pretty darn interesting
(it's a continuation of this post)

The Myth of the Black Aspergian Pt 2

weekend recap...

after waking up on Saturday, there was more disappointment bout our delayed beach trip (on the kiddos end mostly) - it was the day we were supposed 2 load em up & move em out...& every1 was bummed that it wasn't happening...but it didn't take long 2 snap out of it & get back 2 enjoying our weekend

Corinn & i started off the morning by making some "soup" outside...i mostly assisted - i'd scope out the yard 4 "pretty ingredients" (per her request) & then would point Corinn in the right direction...she picked, chopped, stirred & cooked ;0)

actually looks pretty yummy, doesn't it? ;0)

& while she was busy perfecting her recipe, i got some new pics of my garden...it's amazing how quickly things change - how it seems 2 grow right b4 our eyes!

the bees r going crazy on my squash blossoms!

our big boys r getting...well, big

& look! our cherry tomatoes r getting yellow/red!!!

Corinn immediately asked if she could pick that 1 & eat it ;0)

the squash are growing by the minute too!

i love this gardening thing!!!

we did a lot of hanging out & a little cleaning/organizing that day...then later that afternoon, we went 2 the kiddos' fav park - kid's castle!

they got 2 pick which truck we ride in...& even tho they have 2 ride all close, like this...

they chose his ride...

know why?

cause it's got this...

wish my truck had a sun roof!
;0)

Sunday morning, Daddy went 2 pick up Curtis Jr & Corey...the kiddos squealed when they heard the news! all 7 of us went 2 church...then headed out on our we're-not-going-2-the-beach-consolation-prize-trip 2 Trout Pond

no choice about which ride 2 take that day...we had 2 take Mama's - with the 3rd row seat!

i love looking back & seeing the truck packed full of kiddos & their gear!
♥ ♥ ♥

the 3 youngins have been 2 Trout Pond with us b4...several times...but this was Curtis & Corey's 1st trip...they're a lot like their dad - in that, they're not crazy bout getting in2 water where they know they'll have fishies swimming round them...the ocean, they dig - but lakes, not so much...silly city boys! ;0)

well that, & there were some hot teenage girls by the lake that day too...i think they were a lil shy bout taking those shirts off ;0)

Gabrielle & Corinn rushed us with getting their sunscreen on, so they could hit the water!

& Jaden quickly made friends like he always does!

Gabby's favorite thing that day was the sand

she spent most of her time digging, building, hunting, exploring

see how she sticks that tongue out when she's concentrating?
she gets that from her daddy ;0)

the boys eventually went off 2 do some exploring of their own...they wandered around the lake 2 find the best fishing spots

Corinn took frequent snack breaks - that kid is always eating! u wouldn't know it by her lack of booty tho! ~lol~

i got in the water with the kiddos 4 a while...we all swam out past the 1st rope & close 2 the 2nd rope...they thought that was pretty cool

then they spent more time in the sand, while Mama relaxed in the sun

i wonder y i always get asked if they're twins? ;0)


Jaden stayed out in the water, as usual

doing his own exploring

he didn't come up 2 the shore until near the end of the day - when the crowd had cleared out

the kiddos made some friends & were busy showing off their minnow catching skills ;0)

we spotted Daddy & the boys - they had come around the lake & were fishing over by those trees on the right

the place was almost empty b4 we headed out

we left with tired/sandy bodies & hungry bellies...2 of the 5 fell asleep on the 45 minute ride home (bet u know which 2!)...we grilled burgers & i boiled some sweet corn on the cob 4 dinner...i tell ya what - u wouldn't believe how much those 5 kiddos eat! i'm not sure how we'd survive if the boys lived with us full-time! ~lol~

it was a pretty great weekend! made coming 2 work on Monday (when i should b sleeping in at the beach) not quite as bad ;0)

hope u had a great 1 too!
♥

when it rains, it pours...but there's always rainbows!

it's been a rough, rough week!

the hours spent worrying in the hospital - praying that my Grandma would stick around with us a little longer...then her passing was of course the hardest thing i've had 2 face in quite some time! but her wake last evening, & funeral 2day, showed us all just how much she was loved & admired...it was so special 2 see folks i hadn't seen in many, many years...& 2 hear stories about just how loving & generous my Grandma was (they didn't tell me anything i didn't already know ~wink~)...& it felt really good 2 celebrate her life, rather than mourn & cry about her leaving us

of course, there were definitely some tears! i didn't quite expect my kiddos 2 get as upset as they did 2day (i didn't take them 2 the wake last eve) - all 3 shed tears & asked questions that i didn't think i'd have 2 answer 4 a long time...Corinn was especially effected - she sobbed & sobbed at the funeral 2day - saying "i just can't stop - i miss Grandma Tolly"...it broke my heart...but after lots & lots of discussions these last few days, all 3 understand that she is now at peace - in heaven with Jesus, no longer needing her wheelchair - singing & dancing with the Lord...& she's happier than she could ever b!

it rained all day long - even at the burial...luckily, i thought 2 grab our umbrellas on the way out...after the meal, we headed home - got here just as the sun was starting 2 peek out from the clouds...i was optimistic & hung some clothes out on the clothesline 2 dry

then it was time 2 follow-up on our week-long battle with Curt's HR lady (the senile old battle ax)...bout the last thing i felt like doing!

earlier this week, i mentioned how she totally screwed up our vacation request...i spent all day yesterday, online searching 4 other options, just in case - but it turns out that the deal we get is utterly AMAZING! we'd have 2 pay triple or quadruple what we give RCI, 2 get something comparable this time of year...so, 2day was the final day - we either got a hit on a resort, or we're not going 2 the beach at all...Curtis & i made several phone calls - convinced her 2 keep trying up until the very last minute...but alas, we got nothing!

soooo, here i am - sulking in disappointment - wondering if this week could possibly get any worse...i look out the window & guess what - it's pouring down rain! i run out & gather the clothes back in - crying & cussing the whole time!

i come back inside, say fuck it! & pour myself a glass of wine

i call Curtis & cry it out (yep, he had 2 head in2 work after the funeral) - we weigh our options & try 2 decide what the smartest thing 2 do is...neither of us like the idea of staying up at Massanutten - it's a total waste of money really - we can use their resort activities regardless of whether we stay up there or not (using Curt's employee ID)...so do we do the day (or 2) trip 2 a closer beach, go 2 Kings Dominion 4 a day, etc.? or do we submit new dates to the HR bitch & hope 4 the best? at this point, we're gonna have 2 shoot 4 after school starts...August is right around the corner & we already have some plans that can't b broken...it looks like September will b it - not the best beach weather, but at least it'll b a relaxing week on the shore!

here i am, just starting on my 2nd glass when my sister calls all excited - "did u see the rainbow?!" i told her i wasn't really in the rainbow hunting mood & got off the phone

but i guess i lied - i peeled my butt off the sofa & went outside 2 look...& i'm glad i did - it put a smile on my face & made me realize what a sorry piece of crap i was being!


i needed that reminder...that God always provides 4 our needs...that regardless of how hard the rain is pouring down on us - there will always b sunshine & rainbows 2 follow

i came inside & broke the bad news 2 the kiddos - explained 2 them that we wouldn't b headed 2 the beach 2moro...boy, talk about tears! they've been counting this down 4 a loooong time! i promise i didn't just pop this on em tho - we'd been warning them all week that it might not happen...then, i promised them that we would get there this year! no matter what, we'll make it happen!

i called Curtis back - we decided 2 take the kiddos 2 Trout Pond on Sunday & 2 the waterpark (where Curt works) Friday eve (i'll go ahead in2 work all week, but Curtis will still have 2moro thru Monday + Friday off)...we're gonna make the best of a bad situation - still have a great weekend with the kiddos since Curtis is off & we'll just submit our new dates 2 HR on Monday - & pray that we get a hit since it's so much later in the season

i needed that rainbow - a slap in the face - 2 remind me that i've got it pretty darn good!

not many ppl get the opportunity 2 have their Grandma around 4 almost all of the 30 years of their life (yes, i turn 30 on the 29th)...2 have their kiddos get 2 know & grow up loving their great-grandma...& 2 get 2 say goodbye during those final hours

not many ppl get such an amazing hook up on a private resort beach vacation - i need 2 b thankful 4 whatever stinkin' week we can get!

i thank u Lord 4 that reminder!
i really needed that!
;0)

weekend cakes...

i had a 2 very important cakes 2 decorate this weekend!

1 was 4 my 1st born's 9th birthday party & 1 was 4 one of my most loyal cake customers

i told ya how Jaden recently explained 2 me what he'd like 4 his cake this year...well, i got the general concept - but i needed 2 see what he was envisioning...i've learned that with Jaden, it's better 2 make sure u completely understand what he's got going on in his brain 1st...or u might just have a super sad kid on ur hands when it looks different than how he thought u were making it

so i had him draw it out 4 me...

& basically, it was pretty much what he said he'd wanted...Dragon Island, with him (as a fish) attacking a giant squid

i asked him if that was fire that he was spitting at the squid...he says, "nope, that's my tongue action!" oooohhhh, of course it is! ~lol~

i explained 2 him what i could & couldn't do...i wasn't so sure about the tongue - i'd try my best 2 have it coming straight out like that...& the squid might have 2 b a little lower in the water...other than that - it was totally doable...he was fine with the changes i suggested & i made sure 2 find out what color he expected everything 2 b - color is very important 2 him! well, 1 color anyway - BLUE! everything is a different shade of blue with him

unfortunately, there wasn't a lot of time 4 Jaden 2 help me out with his cake this year...& honestly, he wasn't really jumping at the idea of helping me either - i think he wanted 2 see if i could pull it off ;0)

so here's what i came up with...

the cake was strawberry (Jaden's fav), iced in blue butter cream...the "sand" is graham crackers & brown sugar, the palm trees r pretzel rods, & i made the characters & sea life from fondant & gum paste

remember, he's a fish - so he had 2 have fins

but also spikes coming down his back

i got the tongue action down

the only request he made after seeing the (almost) finished cake, was that i add a fin 2 the top of the squid...apparently, i didn't make his head pointy enuff ;0)

but overall, he was thrilled with it...as u could tell in the video i posted yesterday

-----

the other cake that i delivered on Saturday, was a surprise gift 4 Jennifer, from her sweet husband Kevin

unfortunately, i can't show u what's inside her present here...u'll have 2 visit my cake website 2 find out*...or, u can watch this video 4 a hint ;0)

if u're an SNL fan (like me), then u probably knew right away what might b inside this box...i'm waiting on a video from the party - but i hear that Kevin actually dressed up like Justin & Andy (drew in the sideburns & everything!), & came out with the cake while that song was playing...LOVE it! ~lol~

*note - on my website, u'll have 2 click on the adult themed album...it'll ask u 4 a password - it's "naughty" (i don't have any readers under 18, do i? & come on...it's just cake people)...i don't have Jennifer's actual cake uploaded there yet - but u can see plenty of other examples of what was inside her box ;0)